561-338-0420
Rideshare drivers can be found everywhere in urban areas across Florida. They are responsible for following the same traffic laws as everyone else. If you suffered an injury caused by an Uber driver speeding, you likely have questions about your right to compensation and how to recover your losses. At Eltringham Law Group, our Uber accident lawyers in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, help victims of speeding Uber drivers rebuild their lives after a severe accident. Contact us to start your case.
When Is an Uber Driver Speeding Considered Negligence?
Speeding is always a form of negligence. All states require drivers to abide by the mandated traffic laws. Exceeding the speed limit is a dangerous move that can result in severe injuries to others on or near the road. In Florida, a negligent Uber driver can face severe penalties for speeding, mainly if their actions result in an accident.
Why do Uber drivers speed?
Uber drivers may feel pressure to complete as many rides as possible to increase their earnings. This financial incentive can sometimes lead to reckless driving behavior, including speeding. Navigation apps may also inadvertently encourage speeding by providing faster routes that require driving above the speed limit. Passengers may contribute to an Uber driver’s motivation to speed by expressing a sense of urgency or frustration with the driver.
What Are Florida’s Speeding Laws?
Speeding limits vary based on location. For example, the limit is 20 miles per hour in school zones, 30 on urban streets, 55 on most highways, 60 on two-lane sections of freeways, and 70 on interstate highways. Exceeding these limits violates the law, making the driver liable for accidents caused by their speeding.
As stipulated in Chapter 318 of the Florida Statutes, the foundational civil penalties for exceeding speed limits include:
- $25 for traveling 6-9 mph over the limit
- $100 for 10-14 mph over
- $150 for 15-19 mph over
- $175 for 20-29 mph over
- $150 for speeding 30 mph and above
An Uber driver speeding can face more than these base fees.
Florida law categorizes driving at excessive speeds, especially 50 mph or more over the speed limit, as a severe offense. They could face reckless driving charges. When reckless driving leads to a severe accident, the at-fault driver will likely face charges in criminal court and financial penalties in civil court.
What is Uber’s speeding ticket policy?
Like all rideshare companies, Uber checks a driver’s traffic violation history. However, Uber is not transparent about checking driving records after accepting a driver. Some drivers receive emails with warnings. However, traffic violations leading to a severe or deadly crash would almost certainly result in termination, mainly if the driver’s actions resulted in a significant financial cost for Uber.
Who Is Liable for Damages Caused By Speeding Uber Drivers?
Florida is a no-fault auto accident state with a 14-day accident law. Therefore, when an accident occurs, state law mandates that injured victims must seek medical attention within 14 days after the accident to secure the maximum benefits available through their own personal injury protection insurance plans. However, there are exceptions for those who suffer severe injuries.
Suppose you sustained permanent and significant loss of bodily function or permanent scarring or disfigurement from your injuries. In that case, you can bypass the no-fault insurance requirement and file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party in your case. Whether the liable party is the Uber driver or the rideshare company will depend on the level of engagement the driver had with the app when the accident occurred, as explained below:
- If the app is inactive, the driver’s insurance is responsible for any liability claim against that driver.
- If the driver is online and waiting for a ride, Uber covers any third-party liability not covered by the driver’s private insurance.
- When the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or during a trip, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Several factors can impact the complexities of these cases, and Uber has extensive legal resources they may use to fight substantial claims. Having legal representation helps victims recover adequate compensation as quickly as possible.
Contact Our Uber Accident Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
If you suffered injuries caused by an Uber driver speeding, there is no time too soon to contact our Uber accident lawyer. At Eltringham Law Group, we have extensive experience guiding victims of negligent rideshare drivers through the legal process of recovering damages and getting their lives back. We fight to protect your right to compensation while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to schedule your free consultation with our Uber accident attorney today.
